12 volt VS 16 volt

[Mark Callanan]

So nothing needs to be changed just install the battery and all set ?

[Dragsinger]

Mark, you are correct, a simple swap out and enjoy.

In my experience of equipping a number of builds with 16 V, the XS brand batteries and chargers are giving excellent service.

[Dragsinger]

Mark,

to be clear, I was speaking of no changes needed when running without an alternator. If equipped with an alternator, it must be a 16V unit.

[Ed Wright]

I doubt 16 volts would effect the performance of a carbureted engine.

My EFI LT1 did need leaned down when changing to 16 volts.
All I could figure was the injectors going fully open faster? More of their duty cycle is spent wide open?

I still have my 12 volt tunes. Just in case.

It does start up quicker, spins over faster, and likely has a hotter spark while the starter is also drawing current. Seems to cool back down faster on the return road, I'm assuming from the electric fans & electric water pump running faster? Those fans really spin now. :-)

I like 16 volts. Does it run quicker/faster on 16 volts than 12 if tuned correctly both ways? Nope.
And, I'm with Larry on the XM batteries & chargers.

And, I talked to the mfgrs of my electric water pump, and fuel pump. Both told me they were designed to run on 16 volts, since that is so common. MSD told me the same thing about their products, as did FAST. I have found no down side, except maybe battery weight.

[Joe Schweigert]

Originally Posted by Dragsinger

Mark,

to be clear, I was speaking of no changes needed when running without an alternator. If equipped with an alternator, it must be a 16V unit.

Just remember to get the 16 volt charger On my FI engine I needed to adjust the fuel pressure

[Aaron Allison]

We have found no difference in performance between 12v and 16V. I personally like the 12V because they will usually let you know when they are getting and also are easier to find a quick replacement. I have seen and experienced many 16V just quitting. My cars starts fine with 12V with 14.5 CR. We have been using Optimas with no problems.

-Aaron

SS/STK #395

www.racetoolsdirect.com

[Jim Hawkins]

Originally Posted by Dragsinger

Mark, you are correct, a simple swap out and enjoy.

In my experience of equipping a number of builds with 16 V, the XS brand batteries and chargers are giving excellent service.

Which model XS battery are you using? The S1600 or the XP1000?
15 pounds weight difference with the S1600, lighter but less reserve.
Thinking about removing two 12 volt batteries and alternator for one 16volt and no alternator for weight reduction.

[curtis reed]

The only down side that we experienced when first starting out using 16v is that there isn't much warning when they get low. Turned over great leaving the trailer and wouldn't do anything once in the lanes. Was our fault for not keeping an eye on voltage and we weren't running an alternator.



For those that state being able to find a replacement easier if you have 12v batteries it's the same for 16v if you aren't running an alternator. Just pull the 16v and stick a 12v in and go to the lanes. Now if you have a 16v alternator obviously it isn't that easy. I would just unhook the alternator and slap a 12v battery in to finish a race.



I did see a delay box and digital 6 box burned up from leaving a 16v battery charger on too long and it putting out too much voltage. This was an older charger that wasn't regulated well enough. Was putting out 20v.



Curtis

[Ed Wright]

You should ALWAYS turn your battery cut off to Off, while charging your batteries. If you checked your charger for AC output, you may be surprised. In-car race car ignition electronics hate AC voltage. Also the 16 volt chargers I have owned put out over 20 volts DC while charging. As many as 5 or 6 AC. MSD stuff hates that.

No more problems since I pulled my head out, and started shutting my 16 volt batteries off while charging.

Nothing in the car "On" (or connected to the batteries) while charging.

[curtis reed]

Originally Posted by Ed Wright

You should ALWAYS turn your battery cut off to Off, while charging your batteries. If you checked your charger for AC output, you may be surprised. In-car race car ignition electronics hate AC voltage. Also the 16 volt chargers I have owned put out over 20 volts while charging.

No more problems since I pulled my head out, and started shutting my 16 volt batteries off while charging.

Nothing in the car "On" (or connected to the batteries) while charging.

Yep, it was an expensive lesson learned. LOL